NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Did you know that the late Queen Elizabeth II has visited Newport in the past?

The Queen traveled to the United States with her late husband Prince Philip six times, including on July 10, 1976.

The couple touched down at T.F. Green Airport that morning and were greeted by a cheering crowd and then-Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci.

Rhode Islander Pamela Fisher was there when she arrived at Trinity Church in Newport later that day.

“It was very emotional to know we had someone so historic and well-loved come to the church,” she recalled.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch was in the United States to celebrate the country’s bicentennial and to be part of the dedication of Queen Anne Square, which is located right outside the church.

(Story continues below gallery.)

  • Capt. And Mrs. Edward Whelan wave their chance to meet Queen Elizabeth II in a receiving line on Saturday, July 10, 1976, as the queen prepared to board her yacht, Britannia, docked at the U.S. Navy base at Newport, R.I. to wait dinner with President Gerald Ford. In background are sailors on the destroyer Holder. (AP Photo)
  • President Gerald Ford Stands with Queen Elizabeth II and Mrs. Betty Ford joins Prince Philip at night on Saturday, July 10, 1976, as they go to dinner aboard the Yacht Britannia. The Fords were guests of the Royal Family on the yacht docked at the U.S. Navy Base at Newport, R.I. (AP Photo)
  • President Gerald Ford and Queen Elizabeth II have cocktails, July 10, 1976, aboard the Royal Yacht Brittania docked in Newport, R.I. The Fords were guests for dinner aboard the yacht. (AP Photo)

The Queen met dozens of people during her brief visit to the Ocean State, including Angela Brown Fischer’s father.

It’s a story she heard countless times growing up.

“He was thrilled to meet the Queen,” she said. “She was very gracious and a lovely woman.”

Cynthia O’Malley also visited Newport for the dedication ceremony and to get a glimpse at the Queen.

“You could see her because she was so distinctive in her emerald green dress,” she recalled. “To come and see it and for it to be named after one of her ancestors made it really special.”

Following her visit, the Queen and her husband sailed overnight to Boston on the Royal Yacht, which was reportedly their last stop before returning to the United Kingdom.